PIER 39 and Sea Lions

From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, a visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39! PIER 39—the most visited destination in San Francisco—offers two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the Bay. Located along the historic San Francisco Waterfront, PIER 39’s location provides the picture-perfect backdrop for postcard views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz and Angel Islands, and the famous city skyline. Be treated to an unforgettable San Francisco experience and learn why a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.

PIER 39 is a 45-acre waterfront complex that is a gathering place for millions of San Francisco locals and visitors. In addition to its 14 full-service restaurants, 90+ shops and popular attractions, PIER 39 is home to a 5-acre waterfront park and a 300-berth marina.

 

Splashy Sea Lions

The sea lions that camp out in PIER 39’s West Marina have been an international sensation for more than 25 years. A few California sea lions began “hauling out” in PIER 39’s West Marina shortly after the 1989 San Francisco Loma Prieta earthquake. The boisterous barking pinnipeds started arriving in droves and took over K-Dock in January 1990. At first, they numbered from 10-50, but due to a plentiful herring supply, the
available dock space and protective environment, the population soon grew to more than 300 within a couple of months.

The Marine Mammal Center, an organization devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals and the study of these animals’ health, advised PIER 39 that the sea lions should be allowed to stay. As a result, The Marine Mammal Center and PIER 39 have worked together for the last two decades to ensure the health and well-being of PIER 39’s sea lion population. An educational program was also developed to educate visitors and school groups about these marine mammals. In November 2009, a record number of sea lions were counted on K-Dock (1,701 to be exact!), but later that same month, their numbers quickly dwindled. By December 2009, only a handful of sea lions were hauled out on K-Dock. Researchers at The Marine Mammal Center attributed their departure to a shift in their food source that caused the population to travel to other regions in their normal range including the Oregon Coast to feed. However, the California sea lions slowly began migrating back to PIER 39, much to the delight 
of locals and tourists who gather from all over the world to watch the playful mammals.

You can watch the sea lions from wherever you are around the world! Visit the Sea Lion section on pier39.com to check out the Sea Lion Webcam.

Note: Segway Tour does not make a stop at the Sea Lion viewing area on Pier 39. Pier 39 is located a few blocks from the Segway office. Visit the Sea lions before or after your Segway Tour. 

 

Specialty Shopping

With more than 50 specialty shops located throughout two levels of PIER 39, visitors are treated to a memorable shopping experience like none other in San Francisco. There is a variety of merchandise suitable for everyone that includes gifts, collectibles, body care, apparel, accessories, jewelry, games and more.

 

Delectable Dining

PIER 39 is known for serving up some of the freshest and most delicious San Francisco dishes. With 14 fullservice restaurants (soon to be 16 with the addition of Whalburgers and Rangoon Ruby in 2020), you can enjoy an array of global cuisines, as well as San Francisco classics like clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and fresh seafood. Validations for the PIER 39 Parking Garage are available for guests who dine at
participating full-service PIER 39 restaurants. Visit pier39.com for more information.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market • Chart House • Crab House • Eagle Café • Fog Harbor Fish House
Hana Zen Japanese Grill • Hard Rock Café • Luau Lounge Tiki Bar • Luigi’s Pizzeria • Mango’s Taqueria & Cantina
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant • Players Sports Grill & Arcade • Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant
Wipeout Bar & Grill • Wahlburgers (2020) • Rangoon Ruby (2020)

 

Endless Entertainment

PIER 39 features a multitude of fun-filled attractions for all ages:

7D Experience • ACsailingSF • Adventure Cat Sailing Charters • Aquarium of the Bay • Bay Voyager
Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours • Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises • Caricatures • City Sightseeing
Frequent Flyers • Live Music • Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze • Musical Stairs • Players Sports Grill & Arcade
San Francisco Carousel • San Francisco Whale Tours • Sea Lion Center • Sea Lions
SOLVE IT! Think out of the Box Play Area • Street Performers • The Plunge • Wine Tasting on the Bay

 

Information and images provided by Pier 39.